In this week’s comments update, readers are discussing the renovation of a dilapidated farm building in Scotland by architecture studio Loader Monteith.
Named Cairnconon Byre, the house was designed to “honour rural Scottish architecture”. It has two single-storey volumes, finished with stone, black painted pine and a red corrugated-metal roof..
“Wonderful craftsmanship and detailing”
Readers were split. “This is a human home for living… I would happily live in this house,” wrote Johann van der Merwe, before asking “isn’t that the test for domestic architecture?”
Marcoloco was also a fan, arguing that “you know it’s a good’n when they make it look simple.”
On the same page was Ken Steffes, who suggested that “the beauty is in its simplicity and ability to fit in with its surroundings.”
For Steve Hassler, it was “just beautiful” with “wonderful craftsmanship and detailing”.
However, the project has just as many detractors as admirers. “Pleasant as this is, I can see nothing noteworthy of exceptional about it – copy and paste architecture,” suggested Richard Porteous.
“It looks rather clumsy to me – especially the part where the two volumes are connected,” proposed Rd.
What do you reckon? Join the discussion ›
“Weird how a house full of wood and earthy colours can feel so cold”
Several readers were left unimpressed by a house completed by architecture practice HW Studio on a slender lot in Mexico, with its wood-lined interiors centred around a high pyramidial lightwell.
Souji proposed that it “works for an Instagram post – looks uncomfortable and eerie to live in”.
“It’s weird how a house full of wood and earthy colours can feel so cold,” agreed Miles Teg.
Leo was more balanced in their assessment and weighed up “on the one hand, I love the minimalism of the facade,” before countering “on the other hand, this space is too claustrophobic for me.”
However, one commenter had nothing but praise, with Real Architect writing “this house is not merely functional – it awakens emotions, invites reflection and challenges us to see beyond the conventional”.
Who do you agree with? Join the discussion ›
“Why would a residential building be based on a prison?”
Also causing a stir in the comments section was the news that OMA has completed a concrete-clad residential tower on the site of the former Bijlmerbajes prison in Amsterdam, designed to reference an unbuilt tower that was planned as part of the prison complex.
“Why would a residential building be based on a prison?” questioned commenter Istanbulfacades.
Far from the only commenter to take issue with the design, Volantt argued that “the room in the picture really does look like a prison”. They went on to announce: “the most dull project of the year – we have a winner!”
Meanwhile, ZZ felt that “they nailed the prison part”.
Similarly scathing was Jb, who deduced that “the level of architectural nihilism here is astounding – without culture, narrative or artistry you are just producing real estate”.
Do you think the project is a hard sell? Join the discussion ›
Comments Update
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